BMW 325i

Think of it as 330i lite.

Here's a question we'd like ESPN to ask some NASCAR driver on one of its illuminating jock-sniffing quiz shows: Name a car under 35 grand that employs weight-saving magnesium in its engine block, increases efficiency by varying valve lift instead of merely using a throttle plate, and comes standard with pricey run-flat tires.

That's just the start of a long list of standard equipment on the '06 325i. Also included are a six-speed manual transmission (previously five-speed only), an impressive 10-speaker stereo including two subwoofers, dual automatic climate controls, front and rear curtain airbags, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlights. The only obvious omission is a folding rear seat-that's still a $475 option.

Overall, we like the 3's new styling, with three sharp pleats ironed onto its profile. Although its size has grown 2.2 inches in length and 3.0 inches in width, this tester weighed just 48 more pounds than the last 325i we tested (C/D, March 2004).

Horsepower is up to 215, 31 more than in the previous model, and torque has been kicked up by 10 to 185 pound-feet, largely because of a half-liter displacement increase to 3.0 (now the same as the 330i). Furthermore, this horsepower number is just 10 less than in the previous 330i, but 40 fewer than in the latest version, due to a single-stage (versus three stage) induction system.

The 325i has shorter gearing than both the 330i and the previous 325i, but sixth gear is taller than the previous fifth gear. Too bad the shift throws aren't shorter. They're a bit rubbery as well. We wish the short shifter from the 2003-05 330i with Performance package were an option.

The added power and more aggressive gearing give straight-line performance a swift kick to 6.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and 14.7 seconds at 94 mph through the quarter-mile. This 325i blows away the last-generation car and is also quicker than the previous 330i model.

BMWs typically have long options lists, and this latest 325i, decked out with everything on that list, would cost a stunning $47,715. Forget that. Our test car came to us wearing just the Sport package ($1600) and Sirius satellite radio ($595) for $33,190, and with the many standard features, we didn't feel gypped. This car also had the no-cost aluminum interior-trim option, which in fact we prefer over the two wood choices.

The Sport package consists of a stiffer suspension, 17-inch wheels and tires (versus standard 16s) with stickier Pirelli rubber (225/45 front and 255/40 rear), extremely grippy front sport seats with thigh and bolster adjustments, and a fatter steering wheel. Lumbar adjustment is not included, but we found the manual seats extremely supportive and prefer them to those in the current M3. The Sport package thankfully doesn't include the active-steering system that automatically adjusts the steering ratio based on vehicle speed (as it does on 5- and 6-series models), because we prefer the feel of the standard steering.

At 0.87 g, skidpad grip was between that of the latest two 325i's we've tested (C/D,January 2001 and March 2004). Because of increased contact patches and improved ABS, the '06 car's braking distance, at 161 feet, is 11 feet better than the March 2004 tester's.

The universally praised 3-series ride-and-handling balance is still intact. That's a relief, considering BMW had to work around the stiffness of the run-flat tires. However, this latest setup feels a little stiffer than the outgoing model's, and when successive road irregularities of a large variety are encountered, the ride can get harsh. At the limit, there is more understeer than we recall in the last car, but there is still some characteristic BMW neutrality, achieved in part by a weight distribution of 49.9 front and 50.1 rear.

Despite the size, weight, horsepower, and displacement increases, city fuel economy is unchanged at 20 mpg and highway actually improved 1 mpg to 30. On a 300-mile highway slog, we averaged an impressive 31 mpg with the cruise set between 70 and 80 mph. Overall, we got 25 mpg.

But more important, the new 3 got its crown back in our October "$35,000 Sports Sedans" comparo after being unseated by the Infiniti G35 last year.

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*AccuPayment estimates payments under various scenarios for budgeting and informational purposes only. AccuPayment does not state credit or lease terms that are available from a creditor or lessor, and AccuPayment is not an offer or promotion of a credit or lease transaction.